aR&D 1

Motor Configuration and Propeller Size

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For the Advanced Research and Development Phase 1 (aR&D1), Team P decided to determine the most effective motor configuration, quantity, and propellersize by analyzing power output in comparison to time and distance for the following set ups:

Test 1: 2 Motors with 8cm Propellers

Test 2: 1 Motor with 8cm Propeller

Test 3: 2 Motors with 6cm Propellers

Test 4: 1 Motor with 6cm Propeller

 

Code for Test 1 and 3: 2 Motors (blue line on graphs)

motorSpeed(4,25);
 goFor(5);
 reverse(4);
 motorSpeed(4,25);
 goFor(5);
 brake(4);

Code for Test 2 and 4: 1 Motor (red line on graphs)

motorSpeed(1,25);
 goFor(5);
 reverse(4);
 motorSpeed(1,25);
 goFor(5);
 brake(4);

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Graphs for Test 1 and 3: 2 Motors, varying propeller size

Graphs for Test 2 and 4: 1 Motor, varying propeller size

Analysis and Conclusion:
-For motor configuration, the results from testing determined that the pull setup using our design used slightly less energy (approx. 0.3 volts) but went a similar distance. For the propellor size, both graphs argue that the six inch props are barely functional compared to the eight inch, and in the one motor setup the six inch prop couldn’t even move the AEV. However, the impact the deliverable package will have on the AEV and its efficiency is still unknown, so the results of the pull versus push test are things to be monitored during further trials.

-For motor quantity, the one motor only setup moved the AEV less than a fourth the distance that two motors did, for only half the power consumption. The one motor running on an eight inch prop went under a fourth of the distance two motor setup traveled, and consumed about half the power. So for a similar energy consumption, the two motors should theoretically still go twice the distance one motor can. So if budgeted properly, the two motor setup is more efficient.